According to The Epoch Times, the Year of the Horse is regarded as a year of quick victories, unexpected adventures, and surprising romances.
Chinese people believe the horse is one of the most important creatures in the world for mankind to befriend, the article states. The elegant horse symbolizes a strong character with aspiration for straightforward momentum and goals.
It goes on to say that people born in the Year of the Horse are sporty and artistic, well-mannered and well-groomed, free-spirited and always on the move, tying in well with the notion that this will be a good time for travel. And to check out these events!
41st ANNUAL CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE: Signature event in Chinatown features lion dances, marching bands, performances and more. 70,000 spectators expected. Feb. 2 beginning at Millennium Gate on Pender at 11am. Free.
FLIGHT OF THE DRAGON: Follow a dragon over spectacular landscapes in a flight experience never before seen outside of China. Until March 2 at FlyOver Canada (999 Canada Place). $14.19-$18.95 at flyovercanada.com.
SUN YAT-SEN: Vancouvers historic Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special temple fair; attendees are invited to enjoy traditional entertainment and pray for a prosperous new year. Feb. 2 at 578 Carrall. By donation.
DUMPLING FEST: LunarFest welcomes back this popular culinary celebration. Exhibits, childrens activities, performances and dumplings. Feb. 7-9 at Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza (750 Hornby). Free.
INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE: Usher in the Year of the Horse with four days of live performances, ceremonies, and a Chinese New Year heritage village. Jan. 30-Feb. 2 at International Village Mall (88 West Pender). Free.
YAOHAN CENTRE: Enjoy firecrackers and dragon and lion dances, as well as Green Picking at Plateau Sphere Jong, God of Fortune. Jan. 31 at Yaohan Centre (2600-3700 No. 3 Road, Richmond). Free.
ABERDEEN CENTRE: Traditional costumed performances by the Vancouver Academy of Dance and Cantonese Opera. Feb. 1 at Aberdeen Centre (4151 Hazelbridge, Richmond). Free.
EDGEWATER CASINO: Feat. Alisha Houang, Angel Huang, Agnes Wong, Betty Tse, Jimmy Ho and Newton Ng. Feb.8 at 8pm. Free, but you must be an Encore Rewards member. EdgewaterCasino.ca.
OAKRIDGE CENTRE: Performances from 10-11am include eye-dotting ceremonies followed by the Lucky Lion visiting participating retailers for merchant blessings from 11-12:30pm, Feb. 1. oakridgecentre.com.
MLA TEA: Official Opposition MLA David Eby is inviting members of the community to join in celebrating the Lunar New Year with tea, red pockets, and a free Chinese calligraphy workshop at his community office, 2909 W. Broadway on Saturday Feb. 1, 1-4pm. Chinese calligraphy from 2:00 pm till finish.
SHANGRI-LA: The Shangri-La Hotel ushers in the Year of the Horse with a traditional Lion Dance and special Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea in Xi Shi Lounge. Aany guest born in a Year of the Horse will receive complimentary afternoon tea (conditions apply). Starting at 11am, Vancouver-based dance team Shao Lin Hung Gar will perform a traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance in the lobby. The special tea service will be available from Jan. 31 until Feb. 28, daily from 11-5 for $38 per person.
FU MAN WEN CHENG 2014 CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA: Well-known artists from Canada and China appear in this black-tie event hosted by actor David Wu. Feat. Wang Feng, the Goh Ballet and Geng Qiaoyun. Feb. 2 at the Orpheum (601 Smithe). Tickets at 778.881.5557.
VSO CONCERT AND DINNER: Music by Chen Gang, He Zhanhao and Beethoven is conducted by Long Yu, artistic director of the China Philharmonic. Preceded by a Chinese New Year celebration fundraising dinner benefitting VSO and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Feb. 8 at Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe). Tickets $25-$88 ($500 with dinner) at vancouversymphony.ca.
